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Photos: The Dalai Lama celebrates the New Year in Minneapolis

The Dalai Lama returned to the Twin Cities this weekend, where Sunday he observed Tibetan New Year celebrations for the first time outside India, where he lives in exile. After His Holiness left, the Losar celebration continued at the sports center at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. More than 2,500 people turned out for the holiday celebration.

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The Dalai Lama celebrates the Tibetan New Year, or Losar, in Minneapolis on Sunday. The event marks the first time since his exile that His Holiness observed Losar outside of India.Nikki Tundel / MPR News

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A father makes some last-minute adjustments to his son's attire.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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More than 2,500 people pack the gym at Augsburg College to see the Dalai Lama speak.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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Tea is served as the crowd waits for the arrival of the Dalai Lama.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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The New Year's altar is layered with fruit, candy and various breads. These food offerings are a way to express gratitude for the previous year.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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Young women wait to perform for the Dalai Lama during a celebration of the Tibetan New Year in Minneapolis on Sunday.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, watched a dance performance at Augsburg College in Minneapolis Sunday during a Tibetan New Year celebration.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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Lahadon Lahadon, right, says she can't believe she has the opportunity to be in the same room as the Dalai Lama.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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Monks and lamas stand to honor His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama. In the center is 7-year-old Jalue Rinpoche.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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A young attendee is tempted by the drums, which were waiting to be used in a performance at the Tibetan New Year's celebration on March 2, 2014.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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An attendee bows at the altar to give thanks during a celebration of the Tibetan New Year.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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A group plays cards next to a collection of pots and pans. It is typical for families to bring their own food to celebrations -- everything from dumplings to noodles.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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Drummer Tenzin Zegyal leads dancers during the New Year celebration.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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The women's dance group Gooshay performs at the Tibetan New Year celebration.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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Lobssang Dolkal, center, plays video games with his friends. Instead of watching traditional Tibetan dances, the boys opted for a computer version of "cops and robbers."Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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A young attendee naps in front of a portrait of the 14th Dalai Lama.Nikki Tundel / MPR News
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The Tibetan New Year's celebration lasted for 8 hours on Sunday at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minn. The event left some attendees in need of a little shut-eye.Nikki Tundel / MPR News